Amelia Grant: What The New Chapter loved most about the first five chapters was how much emotional weight Jan Notzon managed to pack into them without ever feeling heavy-handed. The flashbacks to Jacob’s youth, the subtle details of his family’s history, and the glimpses into Grace’s fragile state all combined into something profoundly human.

We found ourselves relating to the tensions between siblings, the way old wounds can resurface in moments of crisis, and the challenge of balancing personal grief with the needs of others.

Notzon’s descriptions of the desert were another highlight it’s not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing presence in the story. Several members said they could feel the sun on their skin and taste the dry air while reading. We’re only on Chapter 5, but we’re already emotionally invested. If you love fiction that makes you feel, think, and reflect, this is one to pick up.